Annabelle Gurwitch to keynote Earth Day Awards April 8

LOVES PARK, Ill.—Annabelle Gurwitch, actress, author and environmentalist, is the keynote speaker for Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful’s (KNIB) Earth Day Awards Luncheon honoring the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The luncheon will be Thursday, April 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Giovanni’s in Rockford.

Gurwitch takes social issues and gives them her own brand of humor and perspective. As host of the Planet Green (Discovery Channel) television show WA$TED, she brings her irreverent wit and personality to the very serious discussion about the state of our environment.

Her acting credits include her many years hosting Dinner and a Movie on TBS, and more than 50 guest starring roles on series including Seinfeld, Medium and Boston Legal. Her films include Daddy Day Care, Melvin Goes to Dinner and The Shaggy Dog. She has been a columnist for The Nation magazine and a National Public Radio contributor for five years, targeting everything from politics to pop culture.

Gurwitch has moderated and participated in environmental events across the country, and has interviewed scientists and soccer moms on sustainability on National Public Radio. She was invited by Oprah Winfrey on Earth Day 2009 to present a report about landfills in America. Also, Gurwitch is the national spokesman for the “Do Not Mail Registry” sponsored by Forest Ethics.

In addition to Gurwitch’s interactive lecture program, awards will be presented to an outstanding local corporation, individual and youth for their commitment to our local environment.

Individual tickets for the luncheon are $50. Corporate tables of 10 are available for $500. Registration for the luncheon is due by March 31. Visit www.knib.org for ticket information or call KNIB at (815) 637-1343.